Sixways undergoes improvements ahead of new season

4 September 2013 08:30am

By Tom Parsons

Sixways has undergone improvements this summer, including the installation of new turnstiles

It has been an exceptionally busy Summer here at Sixways in a number of areas. As well as the new direction and infrastructure within the playing department, there have been a number of projects undertaken to make improvements to our already enviable facilities.

These enhancements have been undertaken in recognition of supporters feedback we have received, as well as to enhance the facilities for our supporters for future seasons and ensure Sixways Stadium is one of the leading rugby facilities in the country.

Pitch Improvements

The main stadium pitch has undergone the largest amount of post-season maintenance work ever undertaken. A completely new drainage system was installed by Pershore based company, Phil Day Sports.

This involved main drains installed at five metre intervals from the West Stand to the East Stand, additional gravel slits at three metre intervals and sand bands at one metre intervals.

This now means that the entire pitch is covered by a substantial drainage network that has already proved effective in removing water at substantial rates.

The drainage will also assist with frost protection in the colder months. The pitch has also been reseeded three times since May to assist with developing a stronger root structure which will cope better with the rigours of the increasing frost and snow experienced in recent winters.

North East Corner Floodlight

A new 25 metre lighting column will be installed in time for our first evening match against Harlequins on Friday 20 September, and additional lamps will be added to this column.

The new column is the same height as the other three columns surrounding the Sixways pitch and will remove sight issues that have been communicated from South Stand spectators since its installation. All lights will undergo a 'pointing' check to ensure even coverage across the pitch.

South Stand PA System

The South Stand PA system will be removed and will be upgraded to a fully integrated and designed system before the Harlequins match. Prior to the installation being undertaken, temporary additional speakers will be added pitchside.

Turnstiles

A significant investment has been made in the installation of new automated turnstiles. These turnstiles and handheld readers offer a state of the art facility that will enable speedy entry, as well as enabling Print At Home Tickets - reducing queue times for collections at the Box Office.

Season Tickets and Debenture Cards will no longer need to be issued on a seasonal basis as the card issued this season will be utilised for following seasons.

The new cards will also allow for further enhancements to be offered to supporters at a later stage.

Fragrance Mad Stand Village

Work has begun and will be completed prior to the London Irish match on the new Fragrance Mad Stand Village.

This area will be the main thoroughfare for supporters moving between the West and East Stands, as the Fragrance Mad Stand will now be restricted to ticket holders only.

The new village will have three completely new food stands and will host live music before each match, a children's zone and meet and greet opportunities with Maximus and our Warrior Dance in Motion cheerleaders.

The new area will allow easier access into the Sixways Store, Warriors Coliseum and Scrum Club, and we have plans for further enhancements to this area as the season progresses.

Local company, Matthews Construction, has undertaken all of the building work for this new area.

East Stand Ground Floor Bars

The entire 120 metre bar area has received a face lift and new decoration over the summer. We will also be reintroducing the heating system in this area in September, ready for the colder months, to ensure supporters can enjoy a cold pint in warmth and comfort.

Butterfly Walk (Park And Walk)

Following many months of discussions, Worcester City Council has agreed to undertake resurfacing works on the Butterfly Walk for our Park and Walk supporters.

The surface will be converted to tarmac which will run from the Wainwright Road entrance to the Offerton Lane exit. There will also be bays installed to house the temporary lighting rigs that the club provides, ensuring a clear walk through for all supporters, as well as a dropped kerb at the Offerton Lane end.

The new surface will also greatly assist water run off. The club is now in possession of a key for the vehicle gate at the Wainwright Road end, which has already been opened for matches last season, and will continue to be.

The work will take approximately two weeks, and a date for these works will be confirmed presently by the council to fit within an appropriate break in the Warriors fixture list.

The club would like to thank Warwick Neale of Worcester City Council for his support and assistance in this process.

Hallmark Suite

We are looking to introduce a food area similar to the Scrum Club in the Hallmark Suite for West Stand Debenture Holders.

Warriors Head of Operations Brian Ryan said: "It has been a busy pre-season with regards to all of the projects that have been undertaken and I hope all of the enhancements we have made will help make every supporter's visit to Sixways even better.

"We are committed to making Sixways Stadium the leading club rugby stadium in the country, and will continue to take on board our supporters' constructive comments on ways to improve."